Q&A Ash Pit door in fireplace--is it safe?.

Question:

Re: ash pit trap door. Is it really safe to keep these functioning? I am afraid that a live ash could fall to the opening in the basement and cause a fire:? As a result I just let the fire die and then clean the fireplace from the front. Which is best and safer?



Answer:

I've never heard of a fire problem- since the ashes fall into a pit which is usually surrounded by the cinder block or cement foundation of the home.It would be prudent- however- to let the fire die out for a number of hours or a day or two before sweeping them down the ash pit.Probably more dangerous to sweep them out the front- as I've seen embers stay hot for days and ignite trash fires- etc